Apparatus includes overhead hoarding assembly for scaffolding assembly

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes an overhead hoarding assembly configured to be installed to a scaffolding assembly. The scaffolding assembly is configured to support the weight of a work crew and materials during construction and maintenance of a man-made structure. The overhead hoarding assembly includes pedestrian canopy support assemblies transversally installed to the scaffolding assembly in a spaced-apart relationship. The pedestrian canopy support assemblies are transversally aligned along a non-perpendicular direction extending through the scaffolding assembly, whereby a pedestrian canopy assembly, in use, receives and then deflects, at least in part, an unwanted element toward a side of the scaffolding assembly once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies, in use, receive and support the pedestrian canopy assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to)an apparatus that includes (and is not limited to) an overhead hoardingassembly that is installable in a scaffolding assembly configured tosupport the weight of a work crew and materials during construction andmaintenance of a man-made structure.

BACKGROUND

A scaffolding system (also called scaffold, work platform or staging) isa temporary structure configured to support a work crew and materials toaid in the construction, maintenance, and repair of buildings, bridgesand other types of man-made structures. Scaffolding is also configuredfor forming formwork and shoring, grandstand seating, concert stages,access or viewing towers, exhibition stands, ski ramps, half pipes andart projects, etc. There are several types of scaffolding systems, suchas: (A) tube and coupler (fitting components) scaffolds, (B)prefabricated modular system scaffold, (C) H-frame/facade modular systemscaffolds, and (D) timber scaffolds. Each type of scaffolding system ismade from components, which may include: (A) a base jack or platecomponent, which is a load-bearing base for the scaffold; (B) thestandard component, which is the upright component with connector joins;(C) the ledger (also called a horizontal brace); (D) the transom, whichis a horizontal cross-section load-bearing component configured to holda batten, a board or a decking unit; (E) a brace diagonal and/or across-section bracing component; (F) a batten (board) decking componentconfigured to make a working platform; (G) a coupler, which is a fittingconfigured to join components together; (H) a scaffold tie configured totie in the scaffold to structures; and/or (I) brackets configured toextend the width of working platforms, etc. Specialized components areconfigured to aid in their use as a temporary structure may includeheavy duty load-bearing transoms, ladders or stairway units for theingress and egress of the scaffold, beams, ladders of the typeconfigured to span obstacles and rubbish chutes (used to convey andremove unwanted materials from the scaffold or construction project),etc.

A construction hoarding system may be installable to the scaffoldingsystem, and is configured to secure a construction site located adjacentto the scaffolding system. The construction hoarding system isconfigured to provide safety to pedestrians or the public.

SUMMARY

It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least inpart) at least one problem associated with the existing (known)construction hoarding systems and/or scaffolding systems (also calledthe existing technology). After much study of the known systems andmethods with experimentation, an understanding of the problem and itssolution has been identified and is articulated as follows:

The existing pedestrian canopy assembly (installed to the existingconstruction hoarding system and/or the existing scaffolding system), inuse, receives an unwanted element (such as, a falling object, weatherelements (rain, snow, hail, etc.), debris, etc.), and the unwantedelement remains (for the most part) on the pedestrian canopy assembly.This situation may not provide a safe environment for pedestrians thatuse the construction hoarding system because the unwanted elements mayinterfere with the safe passage of the pedestrians making their wayalong the existing construction hoarding system.

More specifically, it would be a very good idea to spatially positionthe pedestrian canopy assembly that is installed to a constructionhoarding system and/or a scaffolding system in such a way that thepedestrian canopy assembly, in use, receives and then deflects, at leastin part, the unwanted element toward a side of the scaffolding assembly.Preferably, the side that receives the unwanted element is theconstruction site side and not the roadside of the scaffolding assembly.This solution would provide a relatively safer environment forpedestrians that use the construction hoarding system because theunwanted elements are now less likely to interfere with the safe passageof the pedestrians making their way along the construction hoardingsystem.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a majoraspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes and is not limited to anoverhead hoarding assembly configured to be installed to a scaffoldingassembly configured to support the weight of a work crew and materialsduring construction and maintenance of a man-made structure. Thescaffolding assembly includes elongated scaffolding poles verticallyextended and spaced apart (from each other) with connection pointsmounted at spaced-apart intervals along a length of at least some of theelongated scaffolding poles. The overhead hoarding assembly includespedestrian canopy support assemblies that are transversally installed,in a spaced-apart relationship, to the connection points of theelongated scaffolding poles of the scaffolding assembly. The pedestriancanopy support assemblies are transversally aligned along anon-perpendicular direction extending through the scaffolding assembly(whereby, a pedestrian canopy assembly, in use, receives and thendeflects, at least in part, an unwanted element toward a side of thescaffolding assembly once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies, inuse, receive and support the pedestrian canopy assembly).

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a majoraspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes and is not limited to ascaffolding assembly configured to support the weight of a work crew andmaterials during construction and maintenance of a man-made structure.The scaffolding assembly includes (and is not limited to) elongatedscaffolding poles vertically extended and spaced apart with connectionpoints mounted at spaced-apart intervals along a length of at least someof the elongated scaffolding poles. The apparatus further includes anoverhead hoarding assembly installed to the scaffolding assembly. Theoverhead hoarding assembly includes pedestrian canopy support assembliesthat are transversally installed, in a spaced-apart relationship, to theconnection points of the elongated scaffolding poles of the scaffoldingassembly. The pedestrian canopy support assemblies are transversallyaligned along a non-perpendicular direction extending through thescaffolding assembly, once installed. This is done in such a way that,whereby, a pedestrian canopy assembly, in use, receives and thendeflects, at least in part, an unwanted element toward a side of thescaffolding assembly once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies, inuse, receive and support the pedestrian canopy assembly.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a majoraspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes and is not limited to ascaffolding assembly configured to support the weight of a work crew andmaterials during construction and maintenance of a man-made structure.The scaffolding assembly includes (and is not limited to) elongatedscaffolding poles vertically extending (relative to a horizontal workingsurface), and the elongated scaffolding poles are also spaced apartrelative to each other. Each of the elongated scaffolding poles includesconnection points spaced apart from each other. The connection pointsare mounted at spaced-apart intervals along a length of at least some ofthe elongated scaffolding poles. An overhead hoarding assembly includes(and is not limited to) a pedestrian canopy assembly configured toshield a pedestrian from a falling object. The pedestrian canopy supportassemblies are transversally installed to selected instances of theconnection points mounted to the elongated scaffolding poles. Thepedestrian canopy support assemblies are spaced-part from each otheronce the pedestrian canopy support assemblies are installed to theselected instances of the connection points. The pedestrian canopysupport assemblies are configured to receive and support the pedestriancanopy assembly once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies aretransversally installed to the connection points. The pedestrian canopysupport assemblies transversally align along a non-perpendiculardirection extending between the elongated scaffolding poles that extendvertically (once installed). The pedestrian canopy assemblytransversally aligns along the non-perpendicular direction extendingbetween the elongated scaffolding poles that extend vertically (that is,along the non-parallel direction relative to the horizontal workingsurface) once the pedestrian canopy assembly is installed to thepedestrian canopy support assemblies (whereby, the pedestrian canopyassembly, in use, receives and then deflects, at least in part, anunwanted element toward a side of the scaffolding assembly. Preferably,the side that receives the unwanted element is the construction side andnot the roadside of the scaffolding assembly.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a majoraspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes and is not limited to anoverhead hoarding assembly. The overhead hoarding assembly includespedestrian canopy support assemblies transversally installable toselected instances of connection points mounted to elongated scaffoldingpoles of a scaffolding assembly (in which the scaffolding assembly isconfigured to support the weight of a work crew and materials duringconstruction and maintenance of a man-made structure). The elongatedscaffolding poles vertically extend relative to a horizontal workingsurface. The elongated scaffolding poles are spaced apart relative toeach other. The connection points are mounted at spaced-apart intervalsalong a length of at least some of the elongated scaffolding poles. Thepedestrian canopy support assemblies are spaced-part from each otheronce the pedestrian canopy support assemblies are installed to theselected instances of the connection points. The pedestrian canopysupport assemblies are configured to receive and support a pedestriancanopy assembly (once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies aretransversally installed to the connection points). The pedestrian canopyassembly is configured to shield a pedestrian from a falling object(once installed). The pedestrian canopy support assemblies transversallyalign along a non-perpendicular direction extending between theelongated scaffolding poles that extend vertically (once the pedestriancanopy support assemblies are transversally installed to the elongatedscaffolding poles). The pedestrian canopy assembly transversally alignalong the non-perpendicular direction extending between the elongatedscaffolding poles (the elongated scaffolding poles extend vertically)once the pedestrian canopy assembly is installed to the pedestriancanopy support assemblies (whereby the pedestrian canopy assembly, inuse, receives and then deflects, at least in part, an unwanted elementtoward a side of the scaffolding assembly. In accordance with apreferred embodiment, the side that receives the unwanted element is theconstruction side and not the roadside of the scaffolding assembly.

Other aspects are identified in the claims.

Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may nowbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the followingdetailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by referenceto the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodimentswhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an end view of an embodiment of an apparatus including ascaffolding assembly and an overhead hoarding assembly;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an end view of an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1;and

FIG. 4 depicts an end view of an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated byphantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. Incertain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of theembodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult toperceive) may have been omitted.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding componentsthroughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the severalfigures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not beendrawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figuresmay be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating anunderstanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common,but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary incommercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide aless obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

-   100 apparatus-   102 overhead hoarding assembly-   104 pedestrian canopy support assemblies-   106 elongated y-shaped assembly-   108 central hub-   110 lockable connector point-   112 first angle-   114 second angle-   116 elongated assembly-   118 spacer assembly-   120 first elongated linear portion-   122 second elongated linear portion-   900 scaffolding assembly-   901 pedestrian-   902 man-made structure-   903 falling object-   904 elongated scaffolding poles-   906 connection points-   908 pedestrian canopy assembly-   910 horizontal working surface-   912 construction-facing portion-   914 roadside-facing portion-   916 first end section-   918 second end section-   920 third end section

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is notintended to limit the described embodiments or the application and usesof the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or“illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.”Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherimplementations. All of the implementations described below areexemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the artto make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended tolimit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is definedby the claims. For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,”“rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. Thereis no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in thepreceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detaileddescription. It is also to be understood that the devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/orconcepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are notto be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalentto “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options,variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are describedregarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention islimited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that theinvention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted anddescribed.

FIG. 1 depicts an end view of an embodiment of an apparatus 100including a scaffolding assembly 900 and an overhead hoarding assembly102.

In accordance with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 (and generally toall of the FIGS.), the apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) asynergistic combination of a scaffolding assembly 900 and an overheadhoarding assembly 102.

The apparatus 100 generally pertains to users of the scaffoldingassembly 900 for the case where the overhead hoarding assembly 102 isrequired for the protection of (is to be configured to protect) thepublic (non-workers) and/or workers.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the scaffolding assembly 900includes a type of scaffolding system used in North America, which iscalled the Systems, Sure-Lock and Ring Lock scaffold. The scaffoldingassembly 900 includes connection points 906 (also called, connectorjoins or system ledger), which are installed and positioned in thescaffolding assembly 900 (at various positions). The connection points906 are known and, therefore, are not described herein in any detail.Examples or embodiments of the connection points 906 (which are known)are manufactured and/or supplied by any one of: (A) Layher Holding GmbH& Co., located in Giiglingen-Eibensbach, Germany, (B) Mills ConstructionProducts Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and/or (C) DaystarEnterprises (System Scaffold & Sales) located in Cartersville, Ga., USA,etc.

Examples or embodiments of the connection points 906 are described inUnited States Patent Publication number US20110180350 A1 (Publicationdate: Jul. 28, 2011, and the inventor is Steve Howard Thacker) and inUnited States Publication number US20140086669 A1 (Publication date Mar.27, 2014, and the inventor is Peter Rogers).

In general terms, the scaffolding assembly 900 is configured to supportthe weight of a work crew and materials during the construction andmaintenance of a man-made structure 902 (such as a building having aplurality of floors, etc.). The scaffolding assembly 900 is configuredto be positioned adjacent to the man-made structure, and may extendhorizontally (horizontal length wise) along and/or vertically along(height wise) the man-made structure.

The overhead hoarding assembly 102 includes (and is not limited to)pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 (also called, bracing membersor ledger pieces).

The pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 are transversallyinstallable (fixedly connectable, transversally installed) to thescaffolding assembly 900 in a spaced-apart relationship (that is, theinstances of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 are spacedapart from each other). The pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 aretransversally aligned along a non-perpendicular direction, in which thenon-perpendicular direction extends through the scaffolding assembly 900(once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 are transversallyinstalled to the scaffolding assembly 900). The pedestrian canopysupport assemblies 104, in use, receive and support (directly orindirectly) a pedestrian canopy assembly 908.

The pedestrian canopy assembly 908, in use, receives and then deflects,at least in part, an unwanted element (such as, the falling object 903,weather elements and/or debris, tree debris, etc.) toward a side (thatis, a vertical side) of the scaffolding assembly 900 once the pedestriancanopy support assemblies 104, in use, receive and support thepedestrian canopy assembly 908.

A technical effect provided by the apparatus 100 includes (and is notlimited to) any one of: (A) a reduction, at least in part, of theunwanted element on a top surface of the pedestrian canopy assembly 908;(B) an improvement, at least in part, of the safety of the constructionworker using the scaffolding assembly 900 and/or the overhead hoardingassembly 102; and/or (C) an improvement, at least in part, of the safetyof pedestrians using the overhead hoarding assembly 102.

In accordance with a more specific embodiment (in accordance with morespecific technical details) as depicted in FIG. 1 (and generally to allof the FIGS.), the apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) thesynergistic combination of the scaffolding assembly 900 and the overheadhoarding assembly 102.

The scaffolding assembly 900 includes (and is not limited to) elongatedscaffolding poles 904 vertically extending relative to a horizontalworking surface 910 (that is, once the elongated scaffolding poles 904are installed on (positioned on) the horizontal working surface 910).

The elongated scaffolding poles 904 are spaced apart relative to eachother (once installed). Each of the elongated scaffolding poles 904includes connection points 906 (also called connector joins) that arespaced apart from each other. The connection points 906 are also mountedat spaced-apart intervals along a length of at least some of theelongated scaffolding poles 904. Preferably, the connection points 906are also mounted at spaced-apart intervals along a length of all of theelongated scaffolding poles 904.

The overhead hoarding assembly 102 includes (and is not limited to) asynergistic combination of the pedestrian canopy assembly 908 and thepedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 (bracing members). Thepedestrian canopy assembly 908 is configured to shield the pedestrian901 from the falling object 903 (once installed to the pedestrian canopysupport assemblies 104).

The pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 are transversallyinstallable (transversally installed) to selected instances of theconnection points 906 that are mounted to the elongated scaffoldingpoles 904. The pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 are spaced-partfrom each other (once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 areinstalled to the selected instances of the connection points 906). Thepedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 are configured to receive andsupport (either directly or indirectly) the pedestrian canopy assembly908 (once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 are transversallyinstalled) to the connection points 906. The pedestrian canopy supportassemblies 104 are transversally aligned along a non-perpendiculardirection extending between the elongated scaffolding poles 904 thatextend vertically (once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 aretransversally installed to the elongated scaffolding poles 904). Morepreferably, the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 transversallyalign along the non-parallel direction relative to the horizontalworking surface 910 (once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104are transversally installed to the elongated scaffolding poles 904).

The pedestrian canopy assembly 908 is transversally aligned(transversally aligns) along the non-perpendicular direction thatextends between the elongated scaffolding poles 904 (once the pedestriancanopy assembly 908 is installed to the pedestrian canopy supportassemblies 104). Once the pedestrian canopy assembly 908 is installed,the pedestrian canopy assembly 908, in use, receives and then deflects,at least in part, the unwanted element (weather elements and/or debris,tree debris, etc.) toward a side of the scaffolding assembly 900.

In accordance with a more specific embodiment (also called the retrofitembodiment) as depicted in FIG. 1 (and generally to all of the FIGS.),the apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) the overhead hoardingassembly 102, and the apparatus 100 does not include the scaffoldingassembly 900. For this case, the apparatus 100 is for installation(retrofit installation) to an existing instance of the scaffoldingassembly 900.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the scaffoldingassembly 900 has a construction-facing portion 912 and a roadside-facingportion 914. The pedestrian canopy assembly 908, in use, deflects theunwanted elements toward the construction-facing portion 912 rather thanthe roadside-facing portion 914.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the elongatedscaffolding poles 904 are configured to be fixedly positioned(stationary positioned) to extend vertically from, and abut, thehorizontal working surface 910, and remain detached from the horizontalworking surface 910.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the fallingobject 903 falls toward the pedestrian canopy assembly 908 along adownward vertical direction. The falling object 903 will strike thepedestrian canopy assembly 908 with a downwardly directed force, and thepedestrian canopy assembly 908 receives the downwardly directed forceand then transmits this downwardly directed force to the pedestriancanopy support assemblies 104, and the pedestrian canopy supportassemblies 104 are configured to dissipate the downwardly directed forceto opposite sides of the scaffolding assembly 900 (that is, preferablyto the instances of the elongated scaffolding poles 904 that arepositioned opposite from each other and are also spaced apart from eachother).

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the scaffoldingassembly 900 is spaced apart from the vehicular curbside by about 18inches (as may be desired or required).

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus 100of FIG. 1.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the elongatedscaffolding poles 904 include (A) a first plurality of the elongatedscaffolding poles 904, and (B) a second plurality of the elongatedscaffolding poles 904. The first plurality of the elongated scaffoldingpoles 904 is positioned one after the other along a first row (that is,the first plurality of the elongated scaffolding poles 904 are spatiallypositioned and aligned along the linear first row of the elongatedscaffolding poles 904). The second plurality of the elongatedscaffolding poles 904 are positioned one after the other along a secondrow (that is, the second plurality of the elongated scaffolding poles904 are spatially positioned and aligned along the linear second row ofthe elongated scaffolding poles 904). The first plurality of theelongated scaffolding poles 904 are spaced apart from the secondplurality of the elongated scaffolding poles 904.

Preferably, the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 are configuredto span, at least in part, a width of a sidewalk (that forms thehorizontal working surface 910). It will be appreciated that the widthof the sidewalk may vary, such as (and not limited to) from about threefeet and ten inches to about five feet and four inches. The pedestriancanopy support assemblies 104 are configured to support the pedestriancanopy assembly 908 (depicted as a set of boards that span across thepedestrian canopy support assemblies 104) that provides, in use,overhead protection for pedestrians that are positioned below thepedestrian canopy assembly 908. The pedestrian canopy support assemblies104 are sloped (to one side of the scaffolding assembly 900) onceinstalled to the scaffolding assembly 900. The pedestrian canopy supportassemblies 104 are configured to span (at least in part) a section ofthe scaffolding assembly 900, and/or to brace the scaffolding assembly900. Preferably, the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 include anupper peak section configured to form a peak section on (or facing) theroadside-facing portion 914 of the scaffolding assembly 900, in such away that the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 accommodates theinstallation of signage (advertising, etc.) to face the roadside-facingportion 914. The pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 include alower valley section configured to slope away from the peak section andfrom the roadside-facing portion 914, and towards the construction side912 of the scaffolding assembly 900.

Preferably, the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 are configuredto permit the movement (flow) of weather elements (rain, snow) anddebris (tree debris etc.), over to the construction site side of thescaffolding assembly 900 rather than the roadside-facing portion 914 ofthe scaffolding assembly 900. Preferably, the pedestrian canopy supportassemblies 104 are configured to permit the movement (flow) of snow andice (snow and/or ice may more readily slide off the pedestrian canopyassembly 908) and, thereby, the area underneath the pedestrian canopyassembly 908 does not (substantially) accumulate snowmelt and/or icemelt (resulting from thawing of same material positioned on the topsurface of the pedestrian canopy assembly 908). Preferably, thepedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 provide a one-piece body(thereby making for a relatively easier installation). The pedestriancanopy support assemblies 104 are configured to be installed in thescaffolding system of the type used in North America. The pedestriancanopy support assemblies 104 are configured to facilitate relativelyquicker height adjustment (that is, by providing the lockable connectorpoint 110, a worker may install the pedestrian canopy support assemblies104 with a hammer, for instance). The pedestrian canopy supportassemblies 104 are configured to withstand relatively higher loadcapacities (such as, about 75 pounds per square foot on the roof topand/or about 5,000 pounds per square foot of leg loads on the verticalstandards or the elongated scaffolding poles 904), to preferably match(or exceed) the requirements associated with the scaffolding assembly900 (such as, the type of scaffolding system used in North America). Thepedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 are configured to provide asafe walkthrough passage for the public, and may also be the supportfoundation for a cantilevered scaffold leading to the building and/oradded height beside or directly above the pedestrian canopy assembly908. The pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 are configured toprovide a width and a capacity to meet specific constructions and/orsafety requirements and construction-site conditions. The pedestriancanopy support assemblies 104 are configured to be pre-measured andengineered; once installed, there is relatively less chance ofinstallation error due to the set slope and the lockable connector point110 of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 (to be securelyconnected or coupled to respective instances of the connection points906). Preferably, the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 provideno loose pieces, such as nuts, bolts, or clamps, etc. The pedestriancanopy support assemblies 104 have a shape that allows the middlesection of the underside of the pedestrian canopy assembly 908 to have apreferred height for the installation of pedestrian lighting to bemounted underneath the pedestrian canopy assembly 908. The pedestriancanopy support assemblies 104 are configured to be relatively quickerand easier to set up (install) and/or take down, thereby resulting inreduced labour costs. The pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104preferably include a hot-dipped galvanized metal component or analuminum alloy configured to resist the onset of rust or corrosion (andany equivalent thereof) while providing sufficient support strength,thereby increasing the operative life cycle of the pedestrian canopysupport assemblies 104. The pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 areconfigured to support a sloped instance of the pedestrian canopyassembly 908, and is configured to reduce the accumulation of weatherdebris such as tree debris, snow, water, etc. on the pedestrian canopyassembly 908. The pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 areconfigured to facilitate the installation of advertising space to (on)the scaffolding assembly 900 (to help promote the new constructionactivity currently underway, etc.).

FIG. 3 depicts an end view of an embodiment of the apparatus 100 of FIG.1.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the pedestriancanopy support assemblies 104 transversally extend at a predeterminedangle relative to the horizontal working surface 910 (once thepedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 are transversally installed tothe elongated scaffolding poles 904).

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, each of thepedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 includes a first end section916, a second end section 918 and a third end section 920. The first endsection 916 is configured to be releasably connected to a selected oneof the connection points 906. The second end section 918 extends fromthe first end section 916. The second end section 918 is configured tobe releasably connected to another selected one of the connection points906. The third end section 920 extends from the first end section 916.The third end section 920 is configured to be releasably connected to ayet another selected one of the connection points 906.

In accordance with an embodiment (as depicted in FIG. 3), at least oneof the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 include an elongatedy-shaped assembly 106 (also called a strut or body) configured toprovide overhead support for the pedestrian canopy assembly 908, withlockable connector point 110 (preferably, the lockable connector point110 are of the wedge lock type connection point, which is known andtherefore not depicted or described in detail).

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the elongated y-shapedassembly 106 includes branches (preferably, three branches that form theY-shape) that extend radially from a central hub 108, and each branch ofthe elongated y-shaped assembly 106 is configured to connect to aselected instance of the connection points 906 that is positioned on aselected instance of the elongated scaffolding poles 904. Preferably,the branches (at least some of the branches) intersect at the centralhub 108 (also called a midpoint section). The central hub 108 is,preferably, positioned midpoint. of the elongated y-shaped assembly 106.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the elongated y-shapedassembly 106 includes a first elongated linear portion 120 and a secondelongated linear portion 122 that extends from the first elongatedlinear portion 120 along an obtuse angle relative to the secondelongated linear portion 122. The first elongated linear portion 120includes the first end section 916 and the third end section 920. Thesecond elongated linear portion 122 includes the second end section 918.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the distal ends (distal endsections) of each branch of the elongated y-shaped assembly 106 includean end section (such as, the first end section 916, the second endsection 918 and the third end section 920). Each distal end includes alockable connector point 110. Each lockable connector point 110 isconfigured to selectively engage and securely lock to a selectedinstance of the connection points 906. Each distal end is configured toreceive and support the lockable connector point 110.

The lockable connector point 110 is known and therefore is not describedherein in any detail. Examples or embodiments of the lockable connectorpoint 110 (which is known) are manufactured and/or supplied by any oneof: (A) Layher Holding GmbH & Co., located in Giiglingen-Eibensbach,Germany, (B) Mills Construction Products Inc., located in Ontario,Canada, and/or (C) Daystar Enterprises (System Scaffold & Sales) locatedin Cartersville, Ga., USA, etc.

Examples or embodiments of the lockable connector point 110 aredescribed in United States Patent Publication number US20110180350 A1(Publication date: Jul. 28, 2011, and the inventor is Steve HowardThacker) and in United States Publication number US20140086669 A1(Publication date Mar. 27, 2014, and the inventor is Peter Rogers).

The first end section 916 and the second end section 918 are spatiallypositioned at the same horizontal level once the pedestrian canopysupport assemblies 104 are installed to the selected instances of theconnection points 906, and the third end section 920 is positionedvertically above the second end section 918.

A first longitudinal axis extends from the first end section 916 to thethird end section 920. A second longitudinal axis extends from thesecond end section 918 to the central hub 108. A first angle 112 (angleα) is formed or defined between the horizontal and the firstlongitudinal axis that extends from the first end section 916 to thethird end section 920. A second angle 114 (angle β) is formed or definedbetween the second longitudinal axis that extends from the second endsection 918 to the central hub 108. In accordance with a first option,the first angle 112 is fixed in magnitude (such as, about 24 degrees),and the second angle 114 is also fixed in magnitude (such as, about 19degrees), and this configuration of the pedestrian canopy supportassemblies 104 provides about (preferably) a seven foot clearanceunderneath the central hub 108 (that is, the clearance for the passageway for pedestrian traffic). In accordance with a second option, thefirst angle 112 is fixed in magnitude (such as, about 34 degrees), andthe second angle 114 is also fixed in magnitude (such as, about 26.6degrees), and this configuration of the pedestrian canopy supportassemblies 104 provides about a seven foot clearance underneath thecentral hub 108 (that is, the clearance for the passage way forpedestrian traffic).

FIG. 4 depicts an end view of an embodiment of the apparatus 100 of FIG.1.

In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4, at least oneinstance of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies 104 includes anelongated y-shaped assembly 106. The elongated y-shaped assembly 106includes a first elongated linear portion 120, and a second elongatedlinear portion 122. The second elongated linear portion 122 has a secondend section 918 configured to connect to an instance of the connectionpoints 906. The second elongated linear portion 122 extends from thefirst elongated linear portion 120 along an obtuse angle relative to thesecond elongated linear portion 122. An elongated assembly 116 isaffixed to the first elongated linear portion 120. The elongatedassembly 116 is configured to receive and support the pedestrian canopyassembly 908. The elongated assembly 116 includes a first end section916 configured to be releasably connected to a selected one of theconnection points 906. The elongated assembly 116 also includes a thirdend section 920 extending from the first end section 916. The third endsection 920 is configured to be releasably connected to another selectedone of the connection points 906.

In accordance with an option, a spacer assembly 118 is spatiallypositioned between the elongated assembly 116 and the first elongatedlinear portion 120. The spacer assembly 118 is fixedly connected to theelongated assembly 116 and the first elongated linear portion 120.

It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know thattechnical features of each embodiment may be deployed (where possible)in other embodiments even if not expressly stated as such above. It willbe appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that otheroptions would be possible for the configuration of the components of theapparatus 100 (if so desired) to adjust to manufacturing requirementsand still remain within the scope of the invention as described in atleast one or more of the claims. This written description uses examplesto disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enableany person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Thepatentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and mayinclude other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Suchother examples are within the scope of the claims if they havestructural elements that do not differ from the literal language of theclaims, or if they include equivalent structural elements withinsubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described abovemay be connected with each other as required to perform desiredfunctions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art tomake such combinations and permutations without having to describe eachand every one in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly orcomponent that may be superior to any of the equivalents available tothe person skilled in the art. There is no particular mode of practicingthe disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as thefunctions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspectsof the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. Itis understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to thescope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understoodthat the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) thedependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limitingembodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) thedescription provided outside of this document (that is, outside of theinstant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It isunderstood, for this document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalentto the word “comprising.” The foregoing has outlined the non-limitingembodiments (examples). The description is made for particularnon-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that thenon-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.

1. An apparatus, comprising: an overhead hoarding assembly being configured to be installed to a scaffolding assembly configured to support the weight of a work crew and materials during construction and maintenance of a man-made structure, the scaffolding assembly including elongated scaffolding poles being vertically extended and spaced apart with connection points being mounted at spaced-apart intervals along a length of at least some of the elongated scaffolding poles; and the overhead hoarding assembly, including: pedestrian canopy support assemblies being transversally installed, in a spaced-apart relationship, to the connection points of the elongated scaffolding poles of the scaffolding assembly; and the pedestrian canopy support assemblies transversally aligning along a non-perpendicular direction extending through the scaffolding assembly; and wherein at least one instance of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies includes a one-piece body forming a set slope; and whereby a pedestrian canopy assembly, in use, receives and then deflects, at least in part, an unwanted element toward a side of the scaffolding assembly once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies, in use, receive and support the pedestrian canopy assembly.
 2. An apparatus, comprising: a scaffolding assembly configured to support the weight of a work crew and materials during construction and maintenance of a man-made structure; and the scaffolding assembly, including: elongated scaffolding poles being vertically extended and spaced apart with connection points being mounted at spaced-apart intervals along a length of at least some of the elongated scaffolding poles; and an overhead hoarding assembly being installed to the scaffolding assembly; and the overhead hoarding assembly, including: pedestrian canopy support assemblies being transversally installed, in a spaced-apart relationship, to the connection points of the elongated scaffolding poles of the scaffolding assembly; and the pedestrian canopy support assemblies transversally aligning along a non-perpendicular direction extending through the scaffolding assembly; and wherein at least one instance of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies includes a one-piece body forming a set slope; and whereby a pedestrian canopy assembly, in use, receives and then deflects, at least in part, an unwanted element toward a side of the scaffolding assembly once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies, in use, receive and support the pedestrian canopy assembly.
 3. An apparatus, comprising: an overhead hoarding assembly configured for installation in a scaffolding assembly configured to support the weight of a work crew and materials during construction and maintenance of a man-made structure, and the scaffolding assembly, including elongated scaffolding poles vertically extending relative to a horizontal working surface, and the elongated scaffolding poles being spaced apart relative to each other, and each of the elongated scaffolding poles including connection points being spaced apart from each other, and the connection points also being mounted at spaced-apart intervals along a length of at least some of the elongated scaffolding poles; and the overhead hoarding assembly including: a pedestrian canopy assembly being configured to shield a pedestrian from a falling object; and pedestrian canopy support assemblies being transversally installed to selected instances of the connection points being mounted to the elongated scaffolding poles, and the pedestrian canopy support assemblies being spaced-part from each other once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies are installed to the selected instances of the connection points; and the pedestrian canopy support assemblies being configured to receive and support the pedestrian canopy assembly once the pedestrian canopy support assemblies are transversally installed to the connection points; and the pedestrian canopy support assemblies transversally aligning along a non-perpendicular direction extending between the elongated scaffolding poles that extend vertically; the pedestrian canopy assembly transversally aligning along the non-perpendicular direction extending between the elongated scaffolding poles that extend vertically once the pedestrian canopy assembly is installed to the pedestrian canopy support assemblies; and wherein at least one instance of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies includes a one-piece body forming a set slope; and whereby the pedestrian canopy assembly, in use, receives and then deflects, at least in part, an unwanted element toward a side of the scaffolding assembly.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the scaffolding assembly has a construction-facing portion and a roadside-facing portion; and the pedestrian canopy assembly, in use, deflects an unwanted element toward the construction-facing portion rather than the roadside-facing portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: at least one instance of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies transversally extends at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal working surface once the at least one instance of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies are transversally installed to the elongated scaffolding poles.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the scaffolding assembly is configured to be positioned adjacent to the man-made structure, and extends horizontally and vertically along the man-made structure; and the elongated scaffolding poles are configured to be fixedly positioned to extend vertically from, and abut, the horizontal working surface, and remain detached from the horizontal working surface.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the elongated scaffolding poles include: a first plurality of the elongated scaffolding poles positioned one after the other along a first row; and a second plurality of the elongated scaffolding poles positioned one after the other along a second row; and the first plurality of the elongated scaffolding poles being spaced apart from the second plurality of the elongated scaffolding poles.
 8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: at least one instance of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies includes: a first end section being configured to be releasably connected to a selected one of the connection points; and a second end section extending from the first end section, and the second end section being configured to be releasably connected to another selected one of the connection points; and a third end section extending from the first end section, and the third end section being configured to be releasably connected to a yet another selected one of the connection points.
 9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: at least one instance of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies includes: an upper peak section configured to form a peak section facing a roadside-facing portion of the scaffolding assembly; and a lower valley section configured to slope away from the peak section and from the roadside-facing portion, and towards the construction side of the scaffolding assembly.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: at least one instance of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies has a shape configured to allow a middle section of an underside of the pedestrian canopy assembly to have a height for installation of lighting that is mounted underneath the pedestrian canopy assembly.
 12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: at least one instance of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies includes: an elongated y-shaped assembly configured to provide overhead support for the pedestrian canopy assembly; and the elongated y-shaped assembly including: instances of a lockable connector point each being configured to selectively engage and lock to a selected instance of the connection points.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the elongated y-shaped assembly includes; a central hub being positioned midpoint of the elongated y-shaped assembly; and branches extending radially from the central hub; and at least some of the branches intersecting at the central hub; and each branch of the branches being configured to connect to the selected instances of the connection points.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the elongated y-shaped assembly includes: a first elongated linear portion; and a second elongated linear portion extending from the first elongated linear portion along an obtuse angle relative to the second elongated linear portion; and the first elongated linear portion includes: a first end section configured to connect with the connection points; and a third end section spaced apart from the first end section, and the third end section configured to connect with the connection points; and the second elongated linear portion includes: a second end section configured to connect with the connection points.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: distal ends of the elongated y-shaped assembly include: an end section configured to support the lockable connector point being configured to selectively engage and lock to the connection points.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the first end section and the second end section are spatially positioned at the same horizontal level once installed to the selected instances of the connection points of the elongated scaffolding poles; and the third end section is positioned vertically above the second end section once installed to the connection points of the elongated scaffolding poles.
 17. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: a first longitudinal axis extends from a first end section to a third end section; a second longitudinal axis extends from a second end section to a central hub positioned on the first longitudinal axis; a first angle is formed or defined between the horizontal and the first longitudinal axis that extends from the first end section to the third end section; a second angle is formed or defined between the second longitudinal axis extends from the second end section to the central hub.
 18. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: at least one instance of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies includes: an elongated y-shaped assembly being configured to provide overhead support for the pedestrian canopy assembly; and the elongated y-shaped assembly includes: a first elongated linear portion having a first end section and a third end section; and wherein the pedestrian canopy assembly is configured to be affixed to the first elongated linear portion.
 19. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: at least one instance of the pedestrian canopy support assemblies includes: an elongated y-shaped assembly including: a first elongated linear portion; a second elongated linear portion having a second end section being configured to connect to an instance of the connection points; and the second elongated linear portion extending from the first elongated linear portion along an obtuse angle relative to the second elongated linear portion; and an elongated assembly being affixed to the first elongated linear portion; and the elongated assembly being configured to receive and support the pedestrian canopy assembly; and the elongated assembly including: a first end section being configured to be releasably connected to a selected one of the connection points; and a third end section extending from the first end section, and the third end section being configured to be releasably connected to another selected one of the connection points.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising: a spacer assembly being spatially positioned between the elongated assembly and the first elongated linear portion; and the spacer assembly being fixedly connected to the elongated assembly and the first elongated linear portion. 